Aerial view of Ben Young Fire (Image: Inciweb)

PAISLEY, Ore. – Northwest Incident Management Team (IMT) 7 transitioned command of the Ben Young Fire to a local Type 4 IMT at 6 a.m. today.

NWIMT 7 would like to express its gratitude to the Fremont-Winema National Forest, the Klamath-Lake Unit of Oregon Department of Forestry, the Lakeview District Bureau of Land Management, the contractors that supported the effort, and the affected communities here in Lake County for their cooperation and support.

Yesterday’s Activity
There was a very light rain on portions of the fire area as crews focused on patrolling the fire’s perimeter and removing and returning unneeded equipment and supplies from the fire line.

Today’s Operations
Firefighters will continue to focus on mopping up the fire line and spot fires on the eastern flank on the ridge, just south of Myers Butte. Repair of the effects of the suppression activities is beginning.

Weather and Fire Behavior
The forecast calls for sunny weather in the morning then becoming partly cloudy with isolated showers and thunderstorms. Winds will be gusty and erratic near thunderstorms but otherwise will be light. Fire behavior will be limited to creeping and smoldering but has the potential to greatly increase with gusty winds from a passing thunderstorm.

Safety
Our highest priority remains the safety of the public and all wildland fire personnel. Fire operation protocols include best management practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within firefighting crews/operations and within the general public. Medical staff is available to support firefighters should they be needed.

Closures
The emergency fire closure area was reduced on Friday. The northern boundary has dropped south to Forest Roads 033-122 and 3510-019. Both roads are now closed between Forest Roads 33 and 3510-018. Forest Roads 3510-018 off Clover Flat Road, the 3510 Road between the Forest Boundary west to Forest Road 33, and Road 3509 between Forest Road 3510 and the 28 Road remain closed. The reduction in the closure area reopens recreation sites including Marster Spring Campground, Chewaucan Crossing Campground and Jones Crossing Forest Camp. Moss Meadow Horse Camp, Moss Pass Trailhead and Campground, and the section of the Fremont National Recreation Trail within the closure area remain closed. The Closure Order is formally referenced as 06-02-03-20-01-01.

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Ben Young Fire Details

Cause:
Under Investigation

Size:
1,249 Acres

Containment:
90%

Location:
13 miles south of Paisley, Oregon

Resources:
• 90 Personnel
• 3 Hand Crews
• 2 Helicopters
• 9 Engines
• 1 Dozer
• 5 Water Tenders